The chief executive officer of one of the world’s largest producer of farmed salmon has stepped down just five months into her post. Linda Litlekalsøy Aase, who took over Norwegian aquaculture company SalMar ASA’s CEO position in May this year, notified the company’s board of directors of her decision to resign on Oct. 24.
SalMar also owns a £150 million (US$171.6 million) land-based hatchery facility Senja Island in the north of Norway.
Last month, Aase issued a statement which warned that the Norwegian government’s proposed 40 per cent tax on aquaculture will have a “negative ripple effect” on the industry.
“Many people have noticed that I resigned today as CEO of SalMar, and although I cannot give many details about the decision, I am so grateful for all the pleasant messages I have received today,” Aase wrote in Norwegian on her LinkedIn page. “I cheer for the fantastic SalMar team, you are well equipped for the further journey. Good luck moving forward, SalMar!”
A press release from the company said that SalMar’s board of directors has decided to appoint Frode Arntsen as the company’s new CEO.
Arntsen, 52, has been a part of SalMar since 2017 as COO for Sales and Industry. He has worked in the seafood industry since 2000, and has previously held several management positions in a wide range of seafood companies. Prior to joining SalMar he worked at the Norwegian seafood company Lerøy Midt.
Aase was a member of SalMar’s board from June 2020 to May this year before she became its CEO.
Prior to joining SalMar, she was member of the board of carbon capture firm Aker Carbon Capture, she also served as board member of Enova SF, which is owned by the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment.
“(SalMar) delivered a solid operational performance during Aase’s tenure as CEO. We thank Aase for her time and effort in SalMar,” said Gustav Witzøe, chairman of the board. “I would like to express my personal gratitude to Aase for her effort as CEO. At the same time, I am pleased that we have found an experienced replacement. I am comfortable that Frode Arntsen will continue to safeguard and develop SalMar as a leading supplier of salmon produce.”
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